QUIZ: Not counting John Franco, who missed all of last season, who are the three active lefty save leaders (answer below)?

Some advice for folks who consider themselves true Yankee fans: Don’t buy David Wells’ book when it comes out this week. In a shameless attempt at sales, Wells has soiled every pinstripe. I would give him a pass if he at least showed the spine to stand up for his autobiography and the veracity of the words in it. But already, he is telling you “Perfect I’m Not: Boomer on Beers, Brawls, Backaches and Baseball” belongs in the fiction department. Perhaps Wells could get it right in a sequel – “Perfect I’m Not: Boomer on Backtracking, Backstabbing, Betrayal and Buffoonery.”

Here is another reason the Mets almost certainly will not bring Shea Hillenbrand to Shea Stadium: Their scouts have noticed the Boston third baseman has a touch of the throwing yips this spring. Besides, in internal meetings, the Mets have said if they use Aaron Heilman in a trade it will be to improve their own pitching situation.

Two AL executives, when asked separately what has caught their eyes early this spring, noted how much young, major-league-ready talent the Twins have on their 40-man roster. That tribute to Minnesota’s player development system could be particularly important as the Twins try to defend their AL Central crown from the White Sox. Because Eric Milton already is out at least two months after knee surgery, and the health of Brad Radke and Joe Mays remain dubious, Minnesota might have to deal for a starter. The Twins are particularly blessed in outfield depth with which to trade with: Jacque Jones, Torii Hunter, Mike Cuddyer, Mike Restovich, Lew Ford, Bobby Kielty and Dustan Mohr.

Every team is under orders to watch a 20-minute video this spring made by major league officials on how to speed up the game. The Mets saw it Tuesday. On Wednesday, Steve Trachsel showed he still didn’t get the message. Three scouts sitting behind the plate in Jupiter, already annoyed because it was so hot out, offered this critique as Trachsel took up to 30 seconds at times to deliver a pitch.

Scout 1: “This guy is taking forever. He bores you to death even in spring training. Scout 2: “He should get a piece of the concessions.” Scout 3: “I think my pension just kicked in waiting for this guy to deliver a pitch.”